Connector for securing conduits

ABSTRACT

A connector for securing tubular members or conduits in sealed end to end relationship is disclosed. A split ring biased to an unlocked position is carried on the pin connection member in a recess. After the connection is made, the split ring is expanded through a window in the box connection member and locked in place. Alternative embodiments showing a split ring biased to a locked position and a split ring with an articulated joint are shown. A fourth embodiment that allows preloading of the split ring is shown also.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a slim profile stab type connector that mayprovide automatic or manual locking capability. The connector provides avisual means to allow confirmation of whether the connector is locked orunlocked and an additional safety locking device to ensure the connectorcannot be accidentally unlocked.

The use of stab type connectors is desirable for use in connectingtubular members or conduits in the oil and gas exploration andproduction industry. A connector of this type allows tubular conduits tobe quickly and securely connected together in end to end relationship.These connectors can be used for connecting wellheads to large or smalldiameter casing or to connect wellhead to wellhead.

These connectors must be of rugged construction as they are required tohandle large axial loads. These large axial loads may be due to thelength of the conduit being supported as the connectors are used toconnect numerous sections of conduit or “joints” as they are known inthe oil and gas industry together as they are lowered into a predrilledhole in the ground. Additionally, large loads on these connectors may begenerated by internal pressurization of the conduit. Finally, in someapplications these connectors are used to connect conduit sectionstogether as they are driven into the ground by pile driving equipment.

A connector that provides a quick means to connect and release conduitsin end to end relationship is very desirable. Such a connector designshould allow for visual verification that the connector is secured andallow for the provision of a safety lock to ensure the connector cannotbe inadvertently unlocked while the connection is under load. Finally,such a connector should allow the use of flexible seal rings to ensurean easily field replaceable sealing system.

2. Description of Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,200 to B. H. van Bilderbeek shows a releasableconnector using a multiplicity of radial screws to release acontractible ring when it is desired to release the connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a connector for securing tubular membersor conduits in sealed end to end relationship. In a first embodiment,the connector includes a box connection member adapted to receive a pinconnection member therein to form a sealed joint or connection. Theouter ends of the pin and box connection members may have a butt weldconnection or other suitable means as threaded ends for connecting themembers to the tubular conduits. The pin and box connection members havecomplementary recesses or grooves diametrically opposite one anotherformed therein. A securing means in the form of a split ring is carriedon the pin connection member in its recess. The ring is formed to bebiased inward, i.e., in its relaxed position it is retracted to theinner wall of the pin connection member recess. The split ring is of arectangular cross section and a close fit in the pin connection memberrecess. The ends of the split ring have a complementary pair of holes oneach side of the split. One pair of holes is for securing the split ringto the pin connection member in a pair of complementary threaded holesbefore insertion into the box connection member and the second pair ofholes are designed to accept threaded rods to aid in spreading the ringto move it to its locked position.

The box connection member has a pair of elastomer seal rings positionedon its interior to seal on either side of the split ring recess. A smallcircular window is formed in the exterior of the box connection memberto allow visual inspection of the ends of the split ring. Additionally,an orientation pin is formed on the exterior of the pin connectionmember that coacts with an orientation slot in the box connection memberto ensure the inspection window in the box connection member is alignedwith the ends of the split ring. Finally, a wedge block is provided forinsertion between the ends of the split ring after the ends of the splitring are spread and the split ring has locked the pin connection memberstogether.

A second embodiment uses the same configuration for the pin and boxconnection members but the split ring is biased outward, i.e., in itsrelaxed position it will lie approximately halfway in each of therecesses of the pin and box connection members and lock the memberstogether. The split ring is of a rectangular cross section and a closefit in the recesses as in the first embodiment. The ends of the splitring have complementary holes as in the first embodiment and function inthe same manner. A wedge block is provided for insertion between theends of the split ring as a safety lock although not required in thisembodiment.

A third embodiment uses the same configuration for the pin and boxconnection members as in the previous embodiments but the split ring isbiased inward as in the first embodiment. However, the split ring has ahinged joint opposite the open ends to reduce the stresses in the splitring as it is moved from the unlocked to locked positions. The ends ofthe split ring have complementary holes as in the first embodiment andfunction in the same manner with a wedge block provided for insertionbetween the ends of the split ring.

A fourth embodiment uses the same configuration for the pin and boxconnection members but with the box connection member being of a twopart construction with an outer sleeve having a threaded engagement tothe box connection member. The split ring is biased inward as in thefirst embodiment. An external cover plate is provided with spaced apartholes through which studs are inserted and threaded into mating holes inthe ends of the split ring. This engagement holds the split ring in itsexpanded or locked position. Nuts are threaded onto the studs andtightened to lock the split ring and cover plate in position. At thispoint, the threaded outer sleeve may be rotated to preload theconnection.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a connectorfor securing conduits in end to end sealing relationship that is easilyconnected and released.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector thatallows visual verification that the connector is secured and locked.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a connector witha safety lock to ensure the connector cannot be inadvertently unlockedwhile the connection is under load.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a connector thatallows the use of flexible seal rings to ensure an easily fieldreplaceable sealing system.

These with other objects and advantages of the present invention arepointed out with specificness in the claims annexed hereto and form apart of this disclosure. A full and complete understanding of theinvention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings anddescription of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are setforth below and further made clear by reference to the drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the firstembodiment of the connector of the present invention showing the detailsof the connector and securing means.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view, taken along lines 2—2 of FIG. 1, showing thesplit ring securing means.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view, showing the details of the retainermeans used to retain the split ring in the unlocked position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing the wedge block used with theembodiment of FIG. 1 to lock the split ring securing means in its lockedposition.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the secondembodiment of the connector of the present invention showing the detailsof the connector and securing means.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view, taken along lines 6—6 of FIG. 5, showing thesplit ring securing means.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view, showing the details of the retainermeans used to retain the split ring in the unlocked position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing the wedge block used with theembodiment of FIG. 5 to lock the split ring securing means in its lockedposition.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the thirdembodiment of the connector of the present invention showing the detailsof the connector and securing means.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view, taken along lines 10—10 of FIG. 9, showingthe split ring securing means with an articulated joint.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view, showing the details of the retainermeans used to retain the split ring in the unlocked position.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view, partially in section, showing detailsof the articulated joint of the split ring securing means of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged elevation view, partially in section, showingdetails of the articulated joint of the split ring securing means ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view, showing the wedge block used with theembodiment of FIG. 10 to lock the split ring securing means in itslocked position.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged elevation view, partially in section, showingdetails of the cross section of the split ring securing means.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged elevation view, partially in section, showingdetails of the cross section of an alternative embodiment of the splitring securing means.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged elevation view, partially in section, showingdetails of the cross section of an alternative embodiment of the splitring securing means.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the fourthembodiment of the connector of the present invention showing the detailsof the connector and securing means.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing details of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view, showing the details of the retainermeans used to retain the split ring in the unlocked position.

FIG. 21 is an elevation view, taken along lines 21—21 of FIG. 20 showingsplit ring in the retained position.

FIG. 22 is an elevation view, taken along lines 22—22 of FIG. 19 showingthe split ring held in the locked position by the cover plate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, aperspective view, partially in section, of connector 10 of the presentinvention is shown. Connector 10 includes pin connection member 12inserted into box connection member 14 in sealing engagement. Pinconnection member 12 and box connection member 14 are generally tubularmembers with buff weld preparations 16 and 18 on their outer ends toallow for connection to a tubular member or conduit. Although shown witha butt weld connection, pin connection member 12 and box connectionmember 14 could be provided with alternate end connections as threads,flanges or clamp hubs without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Box connection member 14 includes counterbore 20 on its interior that isadapted to receive pin connection member 12 in close fitting engagement.Counterbore 20 provides shoulder 22 against which pin connection member12 rests when inserted. Sealing means in the form of seal rings 24 and26 are provided in counterbore 20. Seal ring 24 acts as a pressure sealensuring pressure integrity between pin connection member 12 and boxconnection member 14 when locked together. Seal ring 26 acts as abarrier seal or “trash” seal to preclude debris from fouling the sealarea. Box connection member 14 includes aperture or inspection window 28extending through its outer wall. Although a large section is shownremoved in FIG. 1, this is only for illustration purposes. In actualconstruction, only small aperture or inspection window 28 extendsthrough the wall of box connection member 14. Alignment slot 30 isformed in the exterior wall of box connection member 14 immediatelybelow inspection window 28 for purposes to be explained hereinafter.Recess or groove 32 is formed in counterbore 20 to receive securingmeans or split ring 34.

Pin connection member 12 includes exterior seal surface 36 formed on itsexterior to fit in close sealing engagement with seal rings 24 and 26 ofbox connection member 14 when pin connection member 12 is inserted intobox connection member 14. The outer end of seal surface 36 includestapered edge 38 that ends in end shoulder 40. End shoulder 40 isdesigned to rest against shoulder 22 of box connection member 14 andprovide a substantial surface interface and allow pin connection member12 and box connection member 14 to be used as pile driving connectors,if desired. Recess or groove 42 is formed in seal surface 36 to acceptsplit ring 34. Recesses 32 and 42 are diametrically opposite one anotherwhen pin connection member 12 is fully inserted into box connectionmember 14 and shoulders 22 and 40 are in contact. Alignment pin 44 islocated on the exterior of pin connection member 12 for purpose to beexplained hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 2, details of the construction and fit of split ring34 to pin connection member 12 are shown. Split ring 34 is of agenerally rectangular cross section and is formed to be a close fit inrecess 42 of pin connection member 12 in its relaxed position. Shown ingreater detail in FIG. 3, retainer means including threaded holes 46 and47 in recess 42 and threaded fasteners 48 are provided to ensure splitring 34 remains in its relaxed or contracted state during insertion ofpin connection member 12 into box connection member 14. Spacer block 48is provided to provide rigidity to the open ends of split ring 34.

In the field, as pin connection member 12 is inserted into boxconnection member 14, split ring 34 is retained in the position shown inFIG. 2. As pin connection member 12 is inserted into box connectionmember 14, pin connection member 12 and box connection member 14 arerotated so that alignment pin 44 is aligned with alignment slot 30. Thisalignment ensures that the ends of split ring 34 are aligned withinspection window 28, as shown in FIG. 1. Threaded fasteners 48 andspacer block 50 are then removed. Spreader means in the form of threadedholes 52 are located adjacent the ends of split ring. Threaded studs oreyebolts are then threaded into threaded holes 52 through inspectionwindow 28 and split ring 34 is spread apart until locking means in theform of wedge block 54 can be inserted between the ends of split ring34. Wedge block 54 is secured to pin connection member 12 with fasteners48 engaging holes 47 as shown in FIG. 1. This ensures split ring 34 willstay in its expanded position wherein it lies approximately half in eachof recesses 32 and 42 and thereby locks pin connection member 12 to boxconnection member 14. If it is desired to disconnect pin connectionmember 12 from box connection member 14, wedge block 54 is removed,split ring 34 is secured in its retracted position and pin connectionmember 12 is pulled from box connection member 14.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5-8 thatis similar to the first embodiment but utilizes a securing means orsplit ring that is biased outwards, i.e., in its relaxed position itwill lie approximately halfway in each of the recesses of the pin andbox connection members and lock the members together. Those items whichare the same as in the first embodiment retain their numericaldesignation. Connector 100 includes pin connection member 12 insertedinto box connection member 14 in sealing engagement.

Box connection member 14 includes counterbore 20 on its interior that isadapted to receive pin connection member 12 in close fitting engagement.Box connection member 14 includes aperture or inspection window 28extending through its outer wall. Although a large section is shownremoved as in FIG. 1, this is only for illustration purposes. In actualconstruction, only small aperture or inspection window 28 extendsthrough the wall of box connection member 14. Recess or groove 32 isformed in counterbore 20 to receive securing means or split ring 102.

Pin connection member 12 includes exterior seal surface 36 formed on itsexterior to fit in close sealing engagement with seal rings 24 and 26 ofbox connection member 14 when pin connection member 12 is inserted intobox connection member 14 as in the first embodiment. Recess or groove 42is formed in seal surface 36 to accept split ring 102. Recesses 32 and42 are diametrically opposite one another when pin connection member 12is fully inserted into box connection member 14.

Referring to FIG. 6, details of the construction and fit of split ring102 to pin connection member 12 are shown. Split ring 102 is of agenerally rectangular cross section and is formed to be biased outward,i.e., in its relaxed position it will lie approximately halfway in eachof the recesses of the pin and box connection members and lock themembers together. This configuration requires that split ring 102 becontracted or compressed to a closed position where it is tight fittingon pin connection member 12 before insertion. This position is shown inFIG. 7 where split ring 102 has been compressed and retained by retainermeans including threaded holes 46 in recess 42 and threaded fasteners 48are provided to ensure split ring 102 remains in a contracted stateduring insertion of pin connection member 12 into box connection member14.

In the field, as pin connection member 12 is inserted into boxconnection member 14, split ring 102 is retained in the position shownin FIG. 7. After alignment of alignment pin 44 with alignment slot 30,one of the threaded fasteners 48 is then removed. At this point, splitring 102 will spring to its relaxed, i.e., expanded position as shown inFIG. 6 and pin connection member 12 and box connection member 14 aresecurely locked together. If it desired, a locking means in the form ofwedge block 104 may be inserted between the open ends of split ring 102.Spreader means in the form of threaded holes 52 are located adjacent theends of split ring 102. Threaded studs or eyebolts may be threaded intothreaded holes 52 through inspection window 28 as in the firstembodiment and wedge block 104 can be inserted between the ends of splitring 102. Wedge block 104 is secured to pin connection member 12 asshown in FIG. 5. This ensures split ring 102 cannot be compressed andthereby inadvertently unlock pin connection member 12 from boxconnection member 14. If it is desired to disconnect pin connectionmember 12 from box connection member 14, wedge block 104 is removed,split ring 102 is secured in its retracted position and pin connectionmember 12 is pulled from box connection member 14.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-14 thatis similar to the first embodiment but utilizes a hinged or articulatedjoint in the securing means or split ring. The split ring is formed tobe biased inward, i.e., in its relaxed position it is retracted to theinner wall of the pin connection member recess. Those items which arethe same as in the first and second embodiments retain their numericaldesignation. Connector 200 includes pin connection member 12 insertedinto box connection member 14 in sealing engagement.

Box connection member 14 includes counterbore 20 on its interior that isadapted to receive pin connection member 12 in close fitting engagement.Box connection member 14 includes aperture or inspection window 28extending through its outer wall. Although a large section is shownremoved as in FIGS. 1 and 5, this is only for illustration purposes. Inactual construction, only small aperture or inspection window 28 extendsthrough the wall of box connection member 14. Recess or groove 32 isformed in counterbore 20 to receive securing means or split ring 202.

Pin connection member 12 includes exterior seal surface 36 formed on itsexterior to fit in close sealing engagement with seal rings 24 and 26 ofbox connection member 14 when pin connection member 12 is inserted intobox connection member 14 as in the first embodiment. Recess or groove 42is formed in seal surface 36 to accept split ring 202. Recesses 32 and42 are diametrically opposite one another when pin connection member 12is fully inserted into box connection member 14.

Referring to FIG. 10, details of the construction and fit of split ring202 to pin connection member 12 are shown. Split ring 202 is of agenerally rectangular cross section and is formed to be biased inward,i.e., in its relaxed position it will be a close fit in recess 42 of pinconnection member 12. Shown in greater detail in FIG. 11, retainer meansincluding threaded holes 46 in recess 42 and threaded fasteners 48 areprovided to ensure split ring 204 remains in its relaxed or contractedstate during insertion of pin connection member 12 into box connectionmember 14. Spacer block 50 is provided to provide rigidity to the openends of split ring 34.

Opposite the open ends of split ring 202 is hinged or articulated joint204, the details of which are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Articulatedjoint 204 includes hinge 206 and hinge pins 208. Slots 210 are formed inthe ends of split ring 202 and intersected by holes 212. Hinge 206 andhinge pins 208 are inserted therein to form articulated joint 204.Articulated joint 204 allows the flexure of split ring 202 withoutinducing large bending stresses in split ring 202 and reducing theeffort needed to move split ring 202 between its locked and unlockedpositions.

In the field, as pin connection member 12 is inserted into boxconnection member 14, split ring 202 is retained in the position shownin FIG. 11. As pin connection member 12 is inserted into box connectionmember 14, pin connection member 12 and box connection member 14 arerotated so that alignment pin 44 is aligned with alignment slot 30.Threaded fasteners 48 and spacer block 50 are then removed. Spreadermeans in the form of threaded holes 52 are located adjacent the ends ofsplit ring 202. Threaded studs or eyebolts are then threaded intothreaded holes 52 through inspection window 28 and split ring 202 isspread apart until locking means in the form of wedge block 214 can beinserted between the ends of split ring 202. Wedge block 214 is securedto pin connection member 12 with fasteners 48 and holes 47 as shown inFIG. 9. This ensures split ring 34 will stay in its expanded positionwherein it lies approximately half in each of recesses 32 and 42 andthereby locks pin connection member 12 to box connection member 14.

FIG. 15 shows the rectangular cross section that is typical of splitring 34 as well as split rings 102 and 202. An alternative form for asplit ring 300 in shown in FIG. 16 with a tapered shoulder 302 formed onits upper surface to aid in insertion of pin connection member 12 intobox connection member 14 if it desired to not retain split ring prior toinsertion. A second alternative form for a split ring 400 in shown inFIG. 17 with a groove 402 formed on its inner surface to coact with alip 404 on pin connection member 12 to provide additional bearingsurface.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 18-22that is similar to the previous embodiments in using a securing means inthe form of a split ring to secure the pin and box connection memberstogether and provides the additional feature of a means to preload theconnection after the split ring is secured in its locked position. Thesplit ring is formed to be biased inward, i.e., in its relaxed positionit is retracted to the inner wall of the pin connection member recess.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, connector 500 includes pin connectionmember 512 inserted into box connection member 514 in sealingengagement. Pin connection member 512 and box connection member 514 aregenerally tubular members. Box connection member 514 is shown with aclosed end but could have alternate end connections as threads, flangesor clamp hubs without departing from the scope of the present invention.Similarly, box connection member 514 could be the lower end of awellhead housing or other pressure vessel.

Box connection member 514 includes interior shoulder 516 that abuts pinconnection member 512. Seal retainer groove 518 is formed on theinterior of box connection member 514 to receive seal ring 520 thatseals between pin connection member 512 and box connection member 514.The exterior of box connection member 514 includes pin or male thread522 that mates with box or female thread 524 on the interior of outersleeve 526 to form threaded connection 528 between outer sleeve 526 andbox connection member 514. Threaded connection 528 is used a preloadingmeans for connector 500 in a manner to be described hereinafter.

Outer sleeve 526 extends beyond the end of box connection member 514 andis adapted to receive pin connection member 512 in sealing engagement.Additional sealing means in the form of seal rings 530 and 532 areprovided on the interior of outer sleeve 526. Seal ring 530 acts as abackup pressure seal ensuring pressure integrity between pin connectionmember 512 and box connection member 514 when locked together. Seal ring532 acts as a barrier seal or “trash” seal to preclude debris fromfouling the seal area. The upper end of outer sleeve 526 includes aplurality of radially directed set screws 534 that engage the upper endof box connection member 514 and lock outer sleeve 526 in position. Boxconnection member 514 includes aperture or inspection window 536extending through its outer wall. Recess or groove 538 is formed on theinterior of outer sleeve 526 to receive securing means or split ring540.

Pin connection member 512 includes exterior seal surface 542 formed onits exterior to fit in close sealing engagement with seal rings 530 and532 of outer sleeve 526 and box connection member 514 when pinconnection member 512 is inserted into box connection member 514 andouter sleeve 526. The outer end of pin connection member 512 includesend shoulder 544 that engages interior shoulder 516. Seal retainergroove 546 is formed in end shoulder 544 and receives seal gasket 520.Recess or groove 548 is formed on the exterior on pin connection member512 to accept split ring 540. Outer sleeve 526 is positioned initiallyon box connection member 514 so that recesses 538 and 548 will bediametrically opposite one another when pin connection member 512 isfully inserted into box connection member 514.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, details of the construction and fit ofsplit ring 540 to pin connection member 512 are shown. Split ring 540 isof a generally rectangular cross section with beveled upper shoulder 550and is formed to be a close fit in recess 548 of pin connection member512 in its relaxed position. Retainer means including threaded holes 552in recess 548 and threaded fasteners 554 are provided to ensure splitring 540 remains in its relaxed or contracted state during insertion ofpin connection member 512 into box connection member 514.

In the field, as pin connection member 512 is inserted into boxconnection member 514, split ring 540 is retained in the position shownin FIG. 20. As pin connection member 512 is inserted into box connectionmember 514, pin connection member 512 and box connection member 514 arerotated so that the ends of split ring 540 are aligned with inspectionwindow 536, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Threaded fasteners 554 are thenremoved. Locking means in the form of threaded holes 556, locatedadjacent the ends of split ring 540, and cover plate 558 are used tolock split ring 540 in position. Threaded studs 560 are threaded intothreaded holes 556 through inspection window 536 and split ring 540 isspread apart until threaded studs 560 will pass through holes 562 incover plate 558. The spacing of holes 562 in cover plate 558 acts as alocking means by holding split ring 540 in its expanded or lockedposition. This ensures split ring 540 will stay in its expanded positionwherein it lies approximately half in each of recesses 538 and 548 andthereby locks pin connection member 512 to box connection member 514.Nuts 564 are then threaded onto studs 560 and tightened to secure coverplate 558 in the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. An external view ofthis engagement is shown in FIG. 22. Alternatively, in place of holes562 a slot could be used. In this case studs 560 would be used to spreadsplit ring 540 and then nuts 564 tightened against cover plate 558 tomaintain split ring 540 in the spread or engaged position.

With split ring locked in position by cover plate 558, threadedconnection 528 may be used to preload connector 500. Set screws 534 areloosened and outer sleeve 526 may be rotated so that it moves away frompin connection member 512 to induce a compressive preload force intosplit ring 540 and recesses 538 and 548. Set screws 528 may then betightened to ensure outer sleeve 526 remains in its preloaded position.If it is desired to disconnect pin connection member 512 from boxconnection member 514, cover plate 558, studs 560 and nuts 564 areremoved, split ring 540 is secured in its retracted position and pinconnection member 512 is pulled from box connection member 514.

Although this embodiment has been described using an inwardly biasedsplit ring, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the artthat this embodiment could be modified to use an outwardly biased orhinged split ring as used in the previous embodiments. Suchmodifications are envisioned and within the scope of this invention.

The construction of our connector for securing conduits in end to endrelationship will be readily understood from the foregoing descriptionand it will be seen that we have provided a connector for securingconduits in end to end sealing relationship that is easily connected andreleased and provided a connector that allows visual verification thatthe connector is secured and locked. Furthermore, while the inventionhas been shown and described with respect to certain preferredembodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading andunderstanding of the specification. The present invention includes allsuch equivalent alterations and modifications, and is limited only bythe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector for securing conduits in end to endrelationship, comprising: a pin connection member and a box connectionmember, said pin and box connection members being adapted for said pinconnection member to be inserted into said box connection member; asplit ring for securing said pin and box connection members togetherafter insertion; said pin and box connection members havingcomplementary recesses diametrically opposite one another for receivingsaid split ring when said pin connection member engages said boxconnection member; said split ring is biased to an unlocked positionwherein said pin connection member may be inserted in said boxconnection member without said split ring engaging said complementaryrecess of said box connection member, said split ring being moveable toa locked position wherein said pin and box connection members aresecured together; said box connection member having an aperture foraccessing said split ring after insertion of said pin connection memberinto said box connection member; a locking means cooperating with saidsplit ring for locking said split ring in said locked position; and, apreloading means to allow said complementary recesses of said pin andbox to be axially moveable with respect to one another after said splitring is in said locked position and said pin and box connection membersare secured together.
 2. A connector for securing conduits in end to endrelationship according to claim 1, wherein: said preloading meansincludes an outer sleeve positioned on said box connection member; saidouter sleeve engaging said box connection member with a threadconnection thereby allowing relative axial movement between saidcomplementary recesses of said pin and box connection members when saidouter sleeve is rotated with respect to said box connection member.
 3. Aconnector for securing conduits in end to end relationship according toclaim 2, further comprising: a sealing means forming a pressure tightconnection between said pin and box connection members after saidsecuring means is engaged.
 4. A connector for securing conduits in endto end relationship according to claim 3, wherein: said locking means isa cover plate secured to the ends of said split ring; said cover plateincluding a plurality of holes therein; said split ring includes a pairof holes formed in said split ring, said holes receiving threaded studstherein that extend radially outwardly and through said holes in saidcover plate to maintain said split ring in said locked position; saidthreaded studs receiving nuts on their outer ends whereby tightening ofsaid nuts urges said cover plate into engagement with the exterior ofsaid box connection member.
 5. A connector for securing conduits in endto end relationship according to claim 4, further comprising: a retainermeans formed in said pin connection member, said retainer meansretaining said split ring in said unlocked position prior to insertionof said pin connection member into said box connection member; and, saidretainer means is accessible through said aperture of said boxconnection member.
 6. A connector for securing conduits in end to endrelationship according to claim 5, wherein said retainer means includes:a plurality of holes formed in said pin connection member, said holesreceiving fasteners that engage complementary holes formed in said splitring adjacent said open ends of said split ring.
 7. A connector forsecuring conduits in end to end relationship according to claim 6,wherein: said plurality of holes formed in said pin connection memberand said fasteners are threaded.
 8. A connector for securing conduits inend to end relationship according to claim 1, wherein: said split ringhas at least one articulated joint.
 9. A connector for securing conduitsin end to end relationship according to claim 8, wherein: saidpreloading means includes an outer sleeve positioned on said boxconnection member; said outer sleeve engaging said box connection memberwith a thread connection thereby allowing relative axial movementbetween said complementary recesses of said pin and box connectionmembers when said outer sleeve is rotated with respect to said boxconnection member.
 10. A connector for securing conduits in end to endrelationship according to claim 9, further comprising: a sealing meansforming a pressure tight connection between said pin and box connectionmembers after said securing means is engaged.
 11. A connector forsecuring conduits in end to end relationship according to claim 10,wherein: said locking means is a cover plate secured to the ends of saidsplit ring; said cover plate including at least one hole therein; saidsplit ring includes a pair of holes formed in said split ring, saidholes receiving threaded studs therein that extend radially outwardlyand through said at least one hole in said cover plate to maintain saidsplit ring in said locked position; said threaded studs receiving nutson their outer ends whereby tightening of said nuts urges said coverplate into engagement with the exterior of said box connection member.12. A connector for securing conduits in end to end relationshipaccording to claim 11, further comprising: a retainer means formed insaid pin connection member, said retainer means retaining said splitring in said unlocked position prior to insertion of said pin connectionmember into said box connection member; and, said retainer means isaccessible through said aperture of said box connection member.
 13. Aconnector for securing conduits in end to end relationship according toclaim 12, wherein said retainer means includes: a plurality of holesformed in said pin connection member, said holes receiving fastenersthat engage complementary holes formed in said split ring adjacent saidopen ends of said split ring.
 14. A connector for securing conduits inend to end relationship according to claim 13, wherein: said pluralityof holes formed in said pin connection member and said fasteners arethreaded.
 15. A connector for securing conduits in end to endrelationship, comprising: a pin connection member and a box connectionmember, said pin and box connection members being adapted for said pinconnection member to be inserted into said box connection member; asplit ring for securing said pin and box connection members togetherafter insertion; said pin and box connection members havingcomplementary recesses diametrically opposite one another for receivingsaid split ring means when said pin connection member engages said boxconnection member; said split ring is biased to a locked positionwherein said pin connection member may not be inserted in said boxconnection member without said split ring being contracted to andretained in an unlocked position prior to insertion, said split ringbeing moveable to a locked position wherein said pin and box connectionmembers are secured together; said box connection member having anaperture for accessing said split ring after insertion of said pinconnection member into said box connection member; a locking meanscooperating with said split ring for locking said split ring in saidsecured position; and, a preloading means to allow said complementaryrecesses of said pin and box to be axially moveable with respect to oneanother after said split ring is in said locked position wherein saidpin and box connection members are secured together.
 16. A connector forsecuring conduits in end to end relationship according to claim 15,wherein: said preloading means includes an outer sleeve positioned onsaid box connection member; said outer sleeve engaging said boxconnection member with a thread connection thereby allowing relativeaxial movement between said complementary recesses of said pin and boxconnection members when said outer sleeve is rotated with respect tosaid box connection member.
 17. A connector for securing conduits in endto end relationship according to claim 16, further comprising: a sealingmeans forming a pressure tight connection between said pin and boxconnection members after said securing means is engaged.
 18. A connectorfor securing conduits in end to end relationship according to claim 17,wherein: said locking means is a cover plate secured to the ends of saidsplit ring; said cover plate including at least one hole therein; saidsplit ring includes a pair of holes formed in said split ring, saidholes receiving threaded studs therein that extend radially outwardlyand through said at least one hole in said cover plate to maintain saidsplit ring in said locked position; said threaded studs receiving nutson their outer ends whereby tightening of said nuts urges said coverplate into engagement with the exterior of said box connection member.19. A connector for securing conduits in end to end relationshipaccording to claim 18, further comprising: a retainer means formed insaid pin connection member, said retainer means retaining said splitring in said unlocked position prior to insertion of said pin connectionmember into said box connection member; and, said retainer means isaccessible through said aperture of said box connection member.
 20. Aconnector for securing conduits in end to end relationship according toclaim 19, wherein said retainer means includes: a plurality of holesformed in said pin connection member, said holes receiving fastenersthat engage complementary holes formed in said split ring adjacent saidopen ends of said split ring.
 21. A connector for securing conduits inend to end relationship according to claim 20, wherein: said pluralityof holes formed in said pin connection member and said fasteners arethreaded.